UK Global Business Mobility Route: Employer Sponsor Licence Guide
The GBM visa route is a set of five sub-categories designed for overseas businesses and multinational employers with UK operations. It enables companies to temporarily assign workers to the UK for eligible purposes.
These categories include:
- Senior or Specialist Worker
- Graduate Trainee
- UK Expansion Worker
- Service Supplier
- Secondment Worker
Each pathway has unique eligibility rules, but all require sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor.
Why Employers Need a GBM Sponsor Licence
To employ or host a worker under the Global Business Mobility route, UK-based businesses must:
- Hold a valid sponsor licence for the relevant GBM sub-route
- Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the overseas worker
- Ensure the job, salary, and worker meet the requirements of the chosen GBM category
This is particularly important for UK subsidiaries of global businesses, companies offering services to UK clients under international agreements, or those planning to set up new operations in the UK.
GBM Sponsor Licence Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a licence under the GBM route, a business must:
- Be a legitimate, active, and lawfully operating UK entity
- Have a genuine need for the sponsored worker(s)
- Demonstrate adequate HR and compliance systems to manage the sponsorship
- Provide the correct documentation depending on the sub-route (e.g. proof of overseas relationship for Expansion Workers or Secondments)
GBM Sponsor Licence Application Process
The sponsor licence process includes:
Online Application Form – Submit your application through the UKVI system.
Supporting Documents – Provide evidence tailored to the GBM sub-route (e.g., business plans, international ownership structure).
Fee Payment – Application fees vary:
- Small organisations: £536
- Medium/large organisations: £1,476
UKVI Review – You may be subject to a compliance visit or audit.
Decision Time – Applications typically take up to 8 weeks; a priority service may be available for faster processing.
Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
After your licence is approved, you can assign a CoS to eligible workers.
Each sub-route has specific CoS requirements, but generally, a CoS must:
- Accurately reflect the role, salary, and assignment length
- Be used within 3 months of issuance
- Match the occupation and salary criteria for the selected GBM route
Sponsor Duties Under the GBM Route
As a licensed sponsor, you must:
- Monitor and record sponsored workers’ activities
- Report changes (job role, salary, absences) to UKVI
- Comply with all immigration and employment laws
- Renew your sponsor licence every 4 years to maintain valid sponsorship status
- Failing to meet these obligations can lead to licence suspension or revocation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many GBM sponsor licence applications are refused due to:
- Lack of evidence proving a genuine business or corporate connection
- Inadequate internal HR systems
- Submitting documents not aligned with the specific GBM sub-route
- Expert legal support can reduce the risk of delays or rejections.
Supporting GBM Visa Applications
Once a CoS is issued, the overseas worker can apply for a visa. Employers may:
- Assist with the visa process and timelines
- Provide documentation supporting the overseas assignment
- Sponsor multiple workers across different GBM categories, if licensed accordingly
Latest Sponsor Licence News
Contact Us
Meridien House
42 Upper Berkeley Street
W1H 5PW
London, England
+44 7739 699 968
+44 20 3988 0575
contact@lexlegal.com
